Aerial Refueling Operations

Images of U.S. Air Force aircraft, including F-15s and F-16s, being refueled mid-air by KC-135 Stratotankers during various military exercises.

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard lines up behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard for in-fight refueling over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle assigned to 67th Fighter Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, refuels from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, Japan, during RED FLAG-Alaska 22-1 over the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex, May 5, 2022. The JPARC provides more than 77,000 square miles of airspace, making it the worlds largest instrumented air, ground and electronic combat training range. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces-directed field training exercise allowing forces to practice interoperability by providing unique opportunities to integrate into joint and multilateral training.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct 15, 2022. The 335 EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

020508-F-4814D-010. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard lines up behind a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard for in-fight refueling over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

An F-15 Strike Eagle receives an aerial refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve over Iraq, Sept. 12, 2018. The KC-135 provides aerial refueling to U.S. and coalition forces. The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

DN-SC-04-15216. Country: Unknown

970221-F-5742K-007. Base: Strait Of Gibraltar Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

Right side front view medium aerial shot from a high angle, looking down as a US Air Force F-16 drops away after being refueled by a KC-135 (Only a portion of the boom is shown). F-16s, from 555th Fighter Squadron, Aviano Air Base, Italy, are being escorted to MacDill Air Force Base, Florida due to temporary closure of Aviano's airfield. Country: Unknown

F-15E's from the 22nd Air Wing, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, refuel off a KC-135 over Egypt. Subject Operation/Series: Bright Star 94 Base: Cairo Country: Egypt (EGY)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, approaches a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, for air refueling support over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 31, 2022. The mission of the 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central), is to execute an integrated campaign alongside regional and coalition nations to deter and, if necessary, defeat regional aggressors and global competitors.

U.S. Air Force F-16 Falcons from the Air National Guard's 187th Fighter Wing, Montgomery, Alabama and F-15 Eagles from the Air National Guard's 159th Fighter Wing, New Orleans, Louisiana, are refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing, on July 22, 2022. The flight crew wore helmets during the refueling to simulate a need for oxygen situation. (U.S Air National Guard Photos by Senior Airman Nicholas Faddis.)

An overhead view of a US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon as it connects to the refueling boom of a KC-135 Stratotanker during aerial refueling. The Falcon was part of a joint strike package of US Navy F/A-18 Hornets and US Air Force F-15 Eagles for the exercise. Joint Task Force 95-3 involved each branch of the armed services and all major units of the US Atlantic Command.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: JOINT TASK FORCE 95-3 Base: Mcas, Cherry Point State: North Carolina (NC) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 64th Aggressor Squadron participates in Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 missions at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, July 21, 2022. During Red Flag-Nellis 22-3 the aggressor nation refines threat replication, applies advanced threats and jamming capabilities and increases threat capabilities to maximize training in non-permissive environments.

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron refuels from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 3, 2022. With assistance from the KC-10, F-16s are able to remain in the AOR for longer durations, maximizing their patrol time and ensuring regional stability.

A US Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon of the 510th Fighter Squadron, armed with two AIM-7M Sparrow Missiles, flies over the airfield. The aircraft is completing a sortie in support of the enforcement of a NATO no fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina.(Exact date unknown). Subject Operation/Series: DENY FLIGHT Base: Aviano Air Base State: Pordenone Country: Italy (ITA)

F-15C and F-15E model fighters from the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nevada fly in formation over the skies above the ranges north of Nellis after flying a training mission during the extensive course. Country: Unknown

DN-SC-85-08813. Country: Unknown

010908-F-1351S-003. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Base: Incirlik Air Base, Adana Country: Turkey (TUR) Scene Major Command Shown: Combined Task Force - ONW

040723-F-9528H-009. Country: United States Of America (USA)

Two A-7E Corsair aircraft from Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) fall in behind an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on a training flight following the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces. The aircraft at right is carrying an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on its starboard fuselage pylon. VA-46 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67), which is operating in the Red Sea. Country: Red Sea

A F-15C Eagle from the 67th Fighter Squadron receives inflight fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron while on a routine training mission over the Pacific Ocean. Both units are stationed at Kadena Air Base, Japan. Base: Kadena Air Base State: Okinawa Country: Japan (JPN) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

US Navy Grumman EA-6B Prowler photographed from a USAF tanker over clouds and the Pacific Ocean, cropped tight

A Fighter Squadron 41 (VF-41) F-14A Tomcat aircraft banks into a turn while on a combat air patrol (CAP) during Operation DESERT STORM. The aircraft is carrying external fuel tanks beneath its engine intakes, AIM-7 Sparrow missiles under its fuselage and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles on its wing pylons.. Subject Operation/Series: DESERT STORM Country: Unknown

011029-F-2022C-004. Complete Scene Caption: Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, 391st Fighter Squadron (Bold Tigers), prepares to connect with the boom and refuel from a KC-10A Extender, 763d Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. The Strike Eagle is armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium Range Air to Air Missile) (outside), GBU-16 (CCG MAU-169 computer control group, MK-83 1,000-pound bomb, MXU-667 tail) (left), AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles (inside of pylons), and an extra wing fuel pod. Under the left engine is the AN/AAQ-14 Targeting Pod (part of the LANTIRN system). Air Force jets are currently conducting bombing raids against Taliban positions in Afghanistan. In response to the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 at the New York World Trade Center and the Pentagon, President George W. Bush initiated Operation ENDURING FREEDOM in support of the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT), fighting terrorism abroad. Subject Operation/Series: ENDURING FR

A Luftwaffe Tornado IDS over northern Germany during fueling training with a KC-135R of the 100th ARW, United States Air Force Europe.

F-16 Fighting Falcon US Air Force

DF-ST-85-11854. Subject Operation/Series: CORNET COLT Country: Unknown

A B-1B Lancer aircraft assigned to the 7th Bomb Wing, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, approaches a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 927th Air Refueling Wing, MacDill AFB, Florida, to receive fuel over the Caribbean Sea, Sept. 7, 2022. The air operations between 12th Air Force and Air Mobility Command were part of a Partner Interoperability Training exercise with Panama and Ecuador to grow capacity, enhance the ability to respond to illegal fishing practices and maintain shared interest in regional security. Multilateral engagements such as this one ensures maximum resource efficiency and enable the consistent training between U.S. Southern Command, component command and partner nations.

A Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113) F/A-18C Hornet aircraft is refueled by an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia during Operation Desert Shield. The aircraft is carrying an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on each wing tip. VFA-113 is based aboard the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62). Subject Operation/Series: DESERT SHIELD Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the South Carolina Air National Guard is in-fight refueled by a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the Kansas Air National Guard over the Atlantic Ocean during Sentry Savannah 22-1, May 3, 2022. Sentry Savannah is a joint, total force integrated exercise that showcases the nation's combat aircraft readiness, tests the capabilities of warfighters in a near-peer environment and trains the next generation of fighter pilots for tomorrows fight.

A U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet prepares to be refueled by a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base over the Pacific, Jan. 3, 2024. The Hornet remains the workhorse of Marine Corps tactical aviation, and supports operational deployments around the globe.

A U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle aircraft assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling operations in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct 15, 2022. The 335 EFS delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and regional stability.

A KC-135R Stratotanker from the 155th Air Refueling Wing, Nebraska National Guard, refuels a German Tornado, Sept. 9, 2022, during Ample Strike Exercise. Ample Strike allows the Czech Republic, U.S., Allies and partner forces to maximize interoperability, combat effectiveness and survival awareness while operating in a dynamic and simulated high threat environment through operational and tactical training. Successful partnering activities like this result in progressive relationships and enhanced interoperability and lead to tangible, mutual benefits that improve regional security, access and coalition operations during peacetime, contingencies and crises.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle breaks away after refueling from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 24, 2022. The F-15E is a multi-role fighter capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

DF-ST-88-05142. Country: Unknown

July 18, 2006 - An F-15E Strike Eagle receives fuel from a KC-10 Extender over Baghdad, Iraq.

A KC-135A Stratotanker aircraft refuels two A-7 Corsair IIs and one F-15 Eagle during Operation Midnight Sun. Subject Operation/Series: MIDNIGHT SUN Country: Unknown

An Israeli Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon prepares to receive refuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, as part of a bilateral exercise over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Nov. 30, 2022. The exercise demonstrated fighter aircraft integration and escort as well as refueling operations as part of the first of several exercises to maintain the ironclad commitment and bilateral aerial capability between the U.S. and Israeli Air Forces.

April 17, 2008 - A F-22 Raptor refuels behind a KC-10 Extender while at 26,000 feet at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Red Flag-Alaska 08-2 is a series of Pacific Air Forces field training exercises for U.S Forces and allies that provides joint offensive counter-air, indirection, close air support, and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment.

USAF Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon Viper over a mountain/desert background

040120-F-7709A-002. Country: Gulf Of Mexico Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning II from the 52nd Fighter Squadron flies in alongside a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 197th Air Refueling Squadron during a training mission above Arizona, Aug. 6, 2022. The 161st Air Refueling Wing out of the Goldwater Air National Guard Base, conducts refueling missions with their regional partners at Luke Air Force Base regularly to help ensure mission readiness.

DN-ST-89-09027. Base: Naval Air Station, Fallon State: Nevada (NV) Country: United States Of America (USA)

An Egyptian Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon conducts aerial training operations with the U.S. Air Force in support of exercise Agile Phoenix within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility June 28, 2022. Agile Phoenix is a joint agile combat employment exercise focused on enhancing interoperability and ensuring regional security.

DF-ST-89-03610. Base: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, May 5, 2022. The 355th EFS, deployed with Ninth Air Force, delivers airpower and showcases U.S. commitment to deterrence and stability in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

020919-F-4649H-009. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Unknown Scene Major Command Shown: ACC

A U.S. Air Force 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron B-1B Lancer approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a flight over the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 19, 2022. U.S. forces routinely work together to enhance operational readiness and responses to regional threats while defending Allied and partner nations to further strengthen regional peace and stability.

F-16 Fighting FalconsUS Air Force

DF-ST-89-04213. Country: England / Great Britain (ENG)

A French Navy Rafale breaks off after receiving fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in a joint aerial exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 2, 2022. The KC-135 provides U.S. and partner nation aircraft the ability to remain in the air for longer durations, maximizing their patrol time and ensuring regional stability.

020613-F-7709A-007. State: Florida (FL) Country: United States Of America (USA)

020930-F-4649H-031. Subject Operation/Series: NORTHERN WATCH Country: Iraq (IRQ)

An F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing launches an AGM-45 Shrike missile. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

DF-ST-88-07175. State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, conducts aerial refueling operations with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, in the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility, April 21, 2022. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft that delivers airpower to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility.

DN-SC-86-03619. Country: Mediterranean Sea (MED)

A 927th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker soars overhead after refueling a C-17 Globemaster III July 1, 2014. The C-17 relies on aerial refueling to complete long-distance missions into and out of the theater of operations.

F-15C and F-15E model fighters from the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, Nellis AFB, Nevada fly in formation over the skies above the ranges north of Nellis after flying a training mission during the extensive course. Country: Unknown

U.S. Air Force F-35 Lightning IIs from the 356th Fighter Squadron at Eielson Air Force Base fly side by side with Republic of Korea Air Force F-35s from the 151st and 152nd Combat Flight Squadrons as part of a bilateral exercise over the Yellow Sea, Republic of Korea, July 12, 2022. Fight Tonight readiness highlights the security and stability across the Korean peninsula and remains the number one priority for United States Forces Korea.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle assigned to the 335th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron conducts aerial refueling during an agile combat employment exercise with U.S. Central Command regional partners within the U.S. Air Forces Central area of responsibility July 12, 2022. Ninth Air Force (AFCENT) led the combined rapid deployment exercise consisting of forward operating location establishment, simulated combat sortie generation, aerial refueling, ground hot-pit refueling as well as command and control procedures. This training demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. airpower assets and maintains interoperability with foreign partners for enhanced security of the region.

Three F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, fly in formation. The aircraft's are armed with AGM-88 HARM's (high-speed anti-radiation missile), AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle refuels from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, over an undisclosed location in the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Oct. 24, 2022. The F-15E is a multi-role fighter capable of performing air-to-air and air-to-ground operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

DF-ST-85-03741. Subject Operation/Series: BRIGHT STAR '83 Country: Unknown

An F-16 Fighting Falcon flies above his wingman in the cockpit of another F-16 during Red Flag 12-2 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

020228-F-7910D-005. Country: United States Of America (USA)

F-15E's from the 22nd Air Wing, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, refuel off a KC-135 over Egypt. Subject Operation/Series: Bright Star 94 Base: Cairo Country: Egypt (EGY)

A KC-135 Stratotanker from the Alabama Air National Guard's 117th Air Refueling Wing refuels a French Mirage 2000. Tankers are essential to sustaining coalition air operations over Iraq and Afghanistan.

980404-F-7910D-008. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Prince Sultan Air Base Country: Saudi Arabia (SAU) Scene Major Command Shown: PACAF

Computer graphic drawing showing the proposed configuration of an F/A-18E/F Hornet aircraft carrying AGM-84E Stand-off Land-Attack Missiles (SLAM), AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-87-09791. Subject Operation/Series: TEAM SPIRIT Country: Republic Of Korea (KOR)

An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, receives air refueling support from a KC-10 Extender assigned to the 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, for air refueling support over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Aug. 31, 2022. The vision of the 9th Air Force (Air Forces Central), is in concert with partners, deliver dominant coalition combat power and integrated command and control to secure and stabilize the region.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon, assigned to the 179th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, refuels with a KC-135 Stratotanker, assigned to the 50th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron, while conducting aerial operations with the Royal Bahrain air force over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, May 25, 2022. The U.S. and Bahrain work jointly to enhance interoperability in the interest of regional security.

DF-ST-89-05272. Subject Operation/Series: DISTANT MARINER Country: Pacific Ocean (POC)

An Attack Squadron 72 (VA-72) A-7E Corsair aircraft receives fuel from an Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft while on a training flight following the cease-fire between coalition and Iraqi forces. The aircraft is carrying an AIM-9 SIdewinder missile on its port fuselage pylon. VA-72 is based aboard the aircraft USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). Country: Red Sea

A 67th Fighter Squadron F-15C Eagle flies alongside a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the Pacific Ocean, July 20, 2022. The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield.

Close-up shot of two F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 52 aircraft's from the 157th Fighter Squadron, 169th Fighter Wing, McEntire Air National Guard Station, South Carolina, in flight. The aircraft's are armed with AGM-88 HARM's (high-speed anti-radiation missile), AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and AIM-120 AMRAAM's (advanced medium-range air-to-air missile). Country: Unknown

A T-38 Talon from Joint Base Langley-Eustis flies in formation as a part of Excercise Agile Tiger near Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri April 4, 2022. Exercise Agile Tiger is designed to enhance our ability to communicate, collaborate, and operate with our joint service partners.

A 199th Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptor approaches a 909th Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker over the East China Sea June 8, 2022. Kadena Air Base is hosting F-22A Raptors to strengthen the readiness and interoperability needed to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.

An F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot waits to taxi out for a night mission during exercise Green Flag-West 13-02 at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., Nov. 1, 2012. He is assigned to the 187th Fighter Wing, Alabama Air National Guard.

DN-SC-05-10880. Country: Unknown

An air to air left side view of a US Navy F-14D Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 31 (VF-31), Naval Air Station Miramar, Calif., as it flies a close air support mission during the annual air defense exercise. Subject Operation/Series: ROVING SANDS '95 Base: Roswell State: New Mexico (NM) Country: United States Of America (USA)

980411-F-7910D-004. Subject Operation/Series: SOUTHERN WATCH 1998 Base: Al Dhafra Air Base Country: United Arab Emerites (UAE) Scene Major Command Shown: NAVCENT

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker from the 344th Aerial Refeuling Squadron, McConell Air Force Base, Kansas, passes fuel to a Dutch F-16 Falcon during a refueling mission in a forward location in the European Theatre. This mission is in direct support of Joint Task Force Noble Anvil. Subject Operation/Series: NOBLE ANVIL Country: Unknown

An F-4E Phantom II aircraft of the 37th Tactical Fighter Wing in the aftermath of the launch of an air-to-surface missile. Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

A U.S Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber from Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, takes flight June 16, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The aircraft is deployed in support of U.S. Pacific Commands Continuous Bomber Presence operations. These aircraft and the men and women who fly and support them provide a significant capability that enables U.S. readiness and commitment to deterrence, provides assurances to allies, and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

An air-to-air right side view of an F-4 Phantom II aircraft as refueling operations take place with a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft during Exercise Gallant Eagle '82. Subject Operation/Series: GALLANT EAGLE '82 Base: George Air Force Base State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

May 28, 2008 - A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft receives fuel from a KC-135R Stratotanker during a mission over Afghanistan.

Italian Air Force F-2000A flying over Southern Italy during Exercise Falcon Strike 2022.

USAF Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon (Viper) over a mountain/desert background. Very tight image of F-16 cockpit and pilot

An air-to-air right side view of an F-14A Tomcat aircraft from Naval Air Reserve Fighter Squadron 301 (VF-301) with its wings fully swept back. Base: San Diego State: California (CA) Country: United States Of America (USA)

AN air-to-air underside view of a Soviet Tu-95 Bear aircraft, left, being observed by a U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom II aircraft over international waters. Country: North Atlantic Ocean

An F-15 Eagle with the 159th Fighter Wing out of Louisiana flies beside a KC-135 Stratotanker with the 914th Air Refueling Wing, New York, July 10, 2022, over the Southeastern United States. The 159th fighter wing is nicknamed the Bayou Militia, displayed on the F-15s tail.

F-15E Strike Eagle US Air Force

An F-15C Eagle assigned to the 44th Fighter Squadron receives aerial refueling while flying in support of Exercise Southern Beach over the Pacific Ocean, Sept. 15, 2022. Southern Beach brings together U.S. and host nation forces in an effort to create bilateral solutions to accomplish the mission and execute those solutions as one team.

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft from the 335th Fighter Squadron flies over North Carolina during a local training mission, Dec. 17, 2010.

Five F/A-18A Hornet aircraft from Strike Fighter Squadron 137 (VFA-137) pass over a cloud bank during a training flight out of Naval Air Station, Cecil Field, Florida. VFA-137 and the other squadrons of Carrier Air Wing 6 (CVW-6) are to depart at the end of May on a Mediterranean deployment aboard the aircraft carrier USS FORRESTAL (CV-59). Country: Unknown

A 437th Military Airlift Wing C-141B Starlifter aircraft approaches a 19th Aerial Refueling Wing KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft to conduct an in-flight refueling. Country: Unknown

DF-ST-85-03792. Country: Unknown

US Air Force F-111

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